Monday, February 23, 2015

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

I
could care less if I have my phone on me, which seems to irritate people.

People
often say that I am difficult to get a hold of….

I
hardly ever answer the phone. I never answer a text.

I
found an article that explains the exact reason why I HATE talking on the
phone:

~The
other day, while talking on Skype with one of my best friends, I realized that
something was horribly wrong. The video option was turned off. And,
as we all know, Skype without video is just a phone.

Like most
introverts (*see note below), I detest talking on the phone. This begs
the question, why do introverts hate the phone so much? After giving it
some thought, I’ve come up with a few possibilities.

Let’s begin
with the ring. Whether your phone sings, buzzes or plays a piano tune, a
ringing telephone is annoying. The phone doesn’t care that you are busy,
or deep in thought. It pays no mind to the fact that you really don’t
feel like talking right now. A ringing phone wants your attention – and
it wants it RIGHT NOW!

I once had a
friend who often put his home phone in the fridge in order to avoid its
intrusive squawking. Thankfully, cell phones can be set to silent or vibrate.

The incessant
bark of a telephone presents an inner debate for an introvert. To answer or not to answer?That is the question.
Usually, we don’t want to pick up. We might promise ourselves that we’ll
call back later. Later could be three days from now or never.
Another option is to commit a communication faux pas and send a text in
response to their call. This might be considered rude. Meh.

As a last
resort, we may have to actually answer the phone. What ensues is
something introverts dread; a conversation robbed of any visual or physical
cues. That means that our nodding and subtle facial expressions are of no
use. The other person can’t see that we are pausing to think, or process,
or pet the dog. All they know is that there is silence at the other end.
And it is awkward. Of course, we can’t see their facial expressions
either.

For
introverts who rely heavily on observation skills, this is frustrating.

Keeping all
this in mind, is it any wonder that introverts avoid or put off talking on the
phone?

Indeed, talking
on the phone is not something we look forward to. But a lot of times it
is necessary. I’m not opposed to short and sweet calls made to tighten up
plans or answer an important question. Sometimes the discomfort of
talking on the phone is overpowered by the joy of connecting with a loved one.

But the
majority of the time, a text message will do just fine.

Side
Notes:

A person who
spends a lot of their day at work talking on the phone, often does not want to
spend time on the phone when they are at home. The continual interaction over
the phone at work can drain them emotionally and leave them desiring some
reprieve from the telephone when they are in the sanctuary of their home.

*An introvert is a person who is energized be being alone. Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feeling. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."

Important Side Notes:
1. Introverts find small talk cumbersome and tend to crave authenticity in their interactions.
2. Downtime doesn't feel unproductive. Whereas an extrovert might get bored or antsy spending a day at home alone with tea and a stack of magazine, this sort of down time feels necessary and satisfying to an introvert.
3. Introverts alternate between phases of work and solitude, and periods of social activity.
4. It's true that opposites attract, and introverts frequently gravitate towards outgoing extroverts who encourage them to have fun and not take themselves too seriously.

Monday, September 1, 2014

I have spent a pretty penny or two on some high quality, brand name cosmetics that I have both loved and hated. Loved, because they are simply awesome but hated because of the price tag. For those of you who are interested, I have recently discovered a line of cosmetics that are both affordable and wear-worthy!

My first order was a haul. I researched the brand and their items (via youtube and blogs) and placed my first order. There were several items that I LOVED, some that were so-so and some that I would probably never purchase again. Keep in mind, every brand is like this. Everyone is different and everyone has their preferences (I have clear skin but it is very dry and sensitive). After 4 to 5 orders, I have tried out several items. Check out my favorites:

1. e.l.f. Studio Translucent Mattifying Powder

Color: translucent

Price: $3

Achieve even flawless skin that's smoother, redefined and shine free. This translucent powder works on a wide variety of skin tones to help set your makeup in so it lasts longer. The silky lightweight formula also miraculously mattes skin to diminish oil and shine for a beautiful and healthy look!

This is my everyday, go-to setting powder and is probablymy favorite ELF item. After I apply my liquid foundation (e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation) and concealer, I buff the powder on with a kabuki brush. It sets my foundation and takes away the shine. It makes my skin appear smooth without the cakey look.

***

2. e.l.f. Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

Color: Antigua

Price: $3

Create a healthy and natural glow all year long with the Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder. The Blush highlights the cheeks to add a flush of color, while the Bronzer accents and contours cheekbones for beautiful definition. This convenient compact has just what you need to achieve a gorgeous glow anytime, anywhere.

Love, Love, Love this set! One compact with two products (pictured on the right)! I line my cheeks with the bronzing powder and finish the apples of my cheeks with the blush. They have recently released a new color (Fiji) that comes in a matte finish. Can't wait to try it!

***

3. e.l.f. Mineral Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow

Color: Wine Tour & Forest Frolic

Price: $3

Create a beautiful eye look with our all-natural pigmented Pressed Mineral Eyeshadows. The innovative pressed powder design creates a silky smooth texture that is blendable for everyday, easy wear. Our natural mineral formula is infused with Rosemary, Cucumber and Vitamin E to replenish the delicate eye area and provide anti-aging benefits for a more revitalized look.

The Mineral Eyeshadow is my favorite ELF eyeshadow. It goes on buttery smooth, it is very pigmented and lasts the whole day. Wine tour is a rich, warm purple with gold flecks. Forest Frolic is black with a very slight hint of shimmer. These eyeshadows are not portable. I like to carry my makeup in a bag and Forest Frolic ended up a breaking into a powder. The packaging however was very sturdy and didn't let a speck of the eyeshadow escape. ;)

***

4. e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer

Color: Clear

Price $6

Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the Mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat against excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a long lasting satin finish.

This primer comes in a pump-style container and goes on super-smooth. My foundation goes on evenly when I use this product and seems to hide the fine lines on my face. I couldn't ask for more!

***

5. e.l.f. Studio Baked Eyeshadow

Color: Bark

Price: $3

The silky and blendable formula of our Baked Eyeshadow provides smooth and even application with each sweep of color. Baked in an oven, these eyeshadows offer rich pigmentation for a beautiful effect. Infused with active key ingredients Jojoba, Rose, Sunflower, Apricot and Grape to nourish and hydrate the skin. The long-lasting and shimmering color can be worn wet for a vibrant effect or dry for sheer pigmentation, offering a variety of gorgeous eye looks!

Bark is such a beautiful color! A little bit goes a long way and the color lasts all day. Awesome pigmentation and a lot of shimmer! The eyeshadow has a dome shape and comes in a cute compact. The actual eyeshadow is huge! Lots of product :)

***

6. e.l.f. Essential 3-Piece Liquid Eyeliner Set

Color: Black & Brown

Price: $1-$3

No more tugging or pulling on your eyelids with this easy glide Liquid Eyeliner set. The smudge-proof liner is rich in color, creating a long lasting defined look. The fine tip brush creates easy and precise definition for natural or dramatic effects.

I was able to purchase these individually in the colors black and brown. These go on suprisingly well and do not come off until I wash my face. I use the black for a more dramatic look and the brown for an everyday look. They go on easily and are greatly pigmented-just shake before you apply!

***

8. e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush

Price: $6

This anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this brush! Our handy and easy to use Kabuki Brushes provide a light to full coverage on your face or body to ensure a flawless finish. The compact brush is perfectly sized to allow for precise and controlled application of bronzer, powder, or a highlighter on your skin.

The Kabuki brush is so soft and full! It is perfect for all over powder, conturing powders, blush and highlighter. I ended up buying two because I loved the brush so much. It is easy to hold, super soft and dense and easy to pack in color. Awesome brush!

***

9. e.l.f. Studio Stipple Brush

Size: Standard & Small

Price: $3

Use the Small Stipple Brush to create soft layers by adding texture for a natural airbrushed result. The two layers of bristles create ultimate control from sheer to heavy coverage for small and hard to reach places. Ideal with liquid, cream or powder products, foundation, concealer, and cream blush.

I adore the small stipple brush! It is PERFECT for concealer application. It blends out easily and is so soft on my undereye area! I use the standard size stipple brush for powder and liquid blush. It reminds of me of the soft focus brush by Bare Minerals. Great brushes and so worth the price!

***

10. Studio Powder Brush

Price $3

This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush!

This is my go-to brush for my foundation application. It is soft and dense and gives my face a smooth finish. It makes liquid foundation so much easier to apply and control!

***

So there you have it..my top favorites from the ELF cosmetics line.

Would you like to see what else was in the box?

(My FREE item)

The total for ALL this makeup?

$48!

Check out ELF on youtube...

All comments are based on my opinion. My opinion is not paid for by ANY company. These are merely my observations. All e.l.f. products are available at Target or online at www.eyeslipsface.com.